Inside the New York Yankees clubhouse with MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch.

Game 24: Yankees vs. Orioles

Greetings from an exceptionally chilly pressbox at Yankee Stadium. The weather has been mostly unpleasant the last two days in New York — after Joe Girardi remarked yesterday that the nice weather was one thing that stood out to him about the first month of the season — and tonight should make for some long-sleeve temps. The Yankees are taking batting practice on the field nonetheless.

As for tonight’s game, it’s a rubber match between two teams vying for position in the contentions AL East. Tuesday was Baltimore’s first win of the season against the Yankees, who have dominated this series over the last few years.

Ivan Nova’s undefeated streak will be on the line again, as the young hurler looks to continue this remarkable stretch of not having taken a losing decision since June 3, 2011 against the Angels.

“Extremely impressive, especially in the division we play in and the competition in the American League,” Joe Girardi said of Nova’s streak. “Anyone can have one stinker of a game, give up a big spot early and the team’s not able to come back. But he really seems to manage innings.”

Nova is 20-1 in 32 career starts in which he has pitched with the lead. The right-hander’s six earned runs in 5 1/3 against Detroit in his last start — a no-decision — was the most he allowed since Aug. 16, 2011.

Eduardo Nunez — who made an error in left field last night that cost the Yankees two runs — gets his third straight start in left, and Girardi continues to sound impressed with Nunez’s progress given all that’s been asked of him. Girardi said Brett Gardner’s return has been pushed back a few days, so Nunez is likely to get a few more looks in left, particularly against Kansas City’s lefties coming up.

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5 Comments

Man, the Yankees are struggling in all areas except the bull pen. This is not a championship team. They are going to have to battle the Jays, the Rays and the Orioles all year to even make it close. Right now this Yankee team does not look strong or even close to World Series contenders.I’m going to take a break from this team for a while until they get it turned around if they ever do. It’s just too frustrating going through this game after game with not a lot of optimism for the near future.

the starting pitcher is getting the job done tonight but not offence. Offence has been sputtering most games this season. They’ve got to get untracked soon. Guys like Cano and Tex especially need to get it going. The only guy hitting consistently on the team is Jeter who was counted out at the beginning of the year. Swish is out and other guys need to step up. Everyone thought Jeter was at the end of his career.

Have to agree with you Seeknay and Patrick. When you get past CC and Huroda and Nova the 4th and 5th starters is a crap shoot. When we get Petitte back hopefully he can fill one spot but who fills the #5? It’s Hughes or Phelps or Garcia or Mitchell or …… We need to trade for an experienced pitcher. Also our big hitters have to start hitting. Cano is not getting it done, nor Tex. And Swish is out of the lineup and so is Gardner, so we’re stuck with Nunez in the field and either Jones or Ibanez and in the batting order as well and none of them are hitters you want hitting in the clutch. NOT GREAT CHOICES. Yankees to win this one or they’ll be struggling to catch up. Jays beat Texas today, probably beat up on them would be more accurate.

Nunez can’t field! They tried him in the infield and now the outfield. Not a good hitter also! How long will he be allowed to cost the Yanks games? Trade him now! Not the right stuff for NY! Find another successor to Derek!

Amazes me that Yankee fans cannot wait for a 39 year old lefty to get back on the roster. Andy may fill one of the slots BUT there are still problems with this starting staff that need to be figured out. Middle relief & closer are strong points but unless this squad gets better starting pitching then……

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